The head of the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA), Tinashe Manzungu, has urged the construction industry to adapt or face ob...
The head of the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA), Tinashe Manzungu, has urged the construction industry to adapt or face obsolescence.
Manzungu, speaking at the recent unveiling of the ZBCA Academy in Nyanga, stated that the endurance of the construction industry depends on swiftly adjusting to the current ever-changing operational conditions.
"Progress is no longer a choice but the driving force behind strength in a setting defined by evolving rules, increasing demands, and technological change," he stated.
The construction industry in Zimbabwe must not fall behind and therefore needs to progress.
The sector currently requires digital highways linking rural areas to international markets, constructing eco-friendly buildings that lower our environmental impact, and designing intelligent cities that transform urban life. This is our opportunity to take the lead, drive innovation...
The ex-president of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce called on the construction industry to embrace innovation as significant investments are being made.
Zimbabwe's construction industry is experiencing a planned transformation. From the famous Tarablas Interchange to the large Mt Hampden Government Complex, the country's infrastructure story is being rewritten through cranes, concrete, and determination.
"From 2020 until the first quarter of 2024, more than $3.1 billion was allocated to infrastructure initiatives covering roads, housing, energy, airports, and public facilities," he stated.
The Minister of Provincial Affairs in Manicaland, Misheck Mugadza, stated that the government has identified prospects within the country's infrastructure development master plan.
"This marks a significant achievement for the nation, and it clearly demonstrates that the President has established the appropriate conditions for the construction sector. We are a province rich in tourism, and we have numerous opportunities, particularly in the Eastern Highlands and Nyanga region, where there is a growing demand for additional hotels. We must expand our accommodation capacity, which remains relatively low. In Mutare, Christmas Pass, Vumba, and Chipinge, we all have hotel stands," he stated.
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Benjamin Kabukira, stated that local governments need collaborations to advance infrastructure development as devolution progresses.
"The ministry has implemented a '10-10, 70-100 2030' infrastructure development strategy. There are significant investment prospects within the infrastructure portfolio. The ministry is transforming urban state land into viable equity, and we invite private sector participants to contribute funding through PPP arrangements. Opportunities exist in the new city, Mt Hampden, which serves as Harare's administrative center, spanning 19,000 hectares. Additional projects involve airport improvements, stadium construction, and other essential infrastructure," he added.
The event drew participants from various regional nations, such as the Tanzanian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Susan Kaganda; former president of Master Builders South Africa, Sam Ngcongo; and the Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Sarah Molosiwa, along with other attendees.
The academy, introduced at the ZBCA annual conference, will provide specialized and certified programs to train builders, site workers, and new business owners in specific areas of education. In addition to the launch of the ZBCA Academy, the organization has also launched a construction magazine that will address current topics and serve as a reference guide for the industry.
